By Robert Segawa
Four people have been confirmed dead after a perimeter wall collapsed onto two residential houses in Butto Zone, Bweyogerere Division, Kira Municipality, Wakiso District.
The incident occurred at approximately 6:30am on Tuesday during a heavy downpour, trapping the occupants of the two houses beneath the collapsed wall.
The deceased have been identified as Okoth David, 25; Angella Inebe, 28; Alaba Lucy, 28; and a juvenile child who was the son of Alaba.
Luke Owoyesigire, the Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Police Spokesperson, confirmed the incident, saying the deceased were occupants of the affected houses.
Owoyesigire said other victims sustained serious injuries, including Ssenyonga Francis, the landlord of the deceased, who was rushed to a health facility for medical attention.
Preliminary information indicates that heavy rainfall and flowing water from the premises of Delux Company exerted pressure on the company’s perimeter wall, causing it to collapse onto the two neighbouring residential houses. The four occupants were reportedly killed instantly.
Police responded to the scene, recorded statements from some witnesses and conveyed the four bodies to the KCCA City Mortuary at Mulago for postmortem examinations.
Preliminary findings indicate that Delux Company had recently acquired the factory and was undertaking renovation works, including grading the compound.
Investigators are examining whether the renovation works and the site’s drainage arrangements contributed to the accumulation and flow of water that preceded the wall’s collapse.
In a statement, Kampala Metropolitan Police cautioned property owners, construction companies and developers to ensure that their structures are sound and that adequate drainage systems are in place, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.
Developers were also urged to assess the potential impact of construction and renovation works on neighbouring properties and take the necessary precautions to protect lives and property.
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident are ongoing, with police promising to provide further updates as more information becomes available.
Kampala Metropolitan Police extended its condolences to the families of the deceased during this difficult time.
